SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — Twenty-three stellar employees received recognition for their roles and the impacts they have made in U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii during an Employee Recognition Breakfast at the Nehelani, here, March 20.

In the company of their co-workers and senior leaders, Jim Duttweiler, deputy commander, USAG-HI, praised the honorees for making a difference.

“The real thing that happens every day … is what our employees do. The tasks they execute and the customer service they provide make a difference in a Soldier or a family member’s life, as well as in our community,” Duttweiler said.

The duo of Michelle Mansker, chief, Natural Resources Section, and Kapua Kawelo, biologist, both with the Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, received a special team award.

Their contributions not only offset threats to endangered species caused by military training, but also garnered USAG-HI the Secretary of the Army’s Natural Resources Conservation Team Award for the best environmental program in the category.

In the Directorate of Human Resources, Caroline Castor, HR assistant, regularly provides exceptional service and resources to Soldiers about to retire, while Ernestine Pratt, chief, Casualty Assistance Center, aids both Soldiers and family members who have suffered a loss. Both were among 21 honorees who received a certificate of achievement commending their performance.

None view their work as “drudgery and servitude,” said Chaplain (Col.) Peter Mueller. Instead, they apply their service and talents toward making the workplace better.

“We don’t have … room for someone to come punch the clock,” Duttweiler explained, during remarks. “Every person must be making a contribution.”

Despite force realignments and funding shortfalls at USAG-HI, evidence of exemplary contributions was plentiful. For example, Rita Ah Young-Shelton, a program support assistant at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, continuously comes to the aid of Soldiers, regardless of severe staff shortages at the SFAC.

“You see, we have a lot to celebrate here in our Garrison. Our employees are making an impact each and every day,” Duttweiler said.

Key:
DES – Directorate of Emergency Services
DFMWR-ACS – Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Army Community Service
DHR – Directorate of Human Resources
DOL – Directorate of Logistics
DPW – Directorate of Public Works
OGC – Office of the Garrison Commander
PAO – Public Affairs Office